Tennessee already has a Michelin Guide to hotels, but now its restaurants are getting in on the action. | Photo by docbadger1 via Flickr
Nashville is full of stars, but the one that’s coming is a bit different than the rest.
The Michelin Guide is expanding to Tennessee and five other Southern states as part of its new American South guide. Restaurants in major cities and small towns across the region will be considered for one, two, or three stars.
All selections will be announced later this year. In fact, Michelin Guide Inspectors are already perusing eateries all over the state. The anonymous inspectors make dinner reservations in secret, pay for all of their meals to ensure they pick the highest quality food, and rate the restaurants on five criteria:
Quality products
Harmony of flavors
Mastery of cooking techniques
Reflection of the chef’s voice and personality in the cuisine
Consistency between each visit and the menu, as inspectors visit multiple times
The Michelin Guide was originally started to encourage culinary tourism — thus driving the need for more tires. Once picks are announced, Tennessee will join a host of other destinations with Michelin Guides in place, such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., California, Florida, and Texas.
Asked
Asked
Which Nashville restaurants deserve a Michelin star?
Let’s see if we can predict the Michelin Guide inspectors’ picks.
Wine Fest | 6 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $99+ | Pair wines, beer, and spirits with food samples from local restaurants while you bid on items in the silent auction benefiting the Preds Foundation — designated driver tickets are $39.
Friday, April 4
Fridays by the River | Friday, April 4 | 3-8 p.m. | Shelby Park Riverview Pavilion | Cost of purchase | This pop-up beer garden with food trucks and live music benefits Shelby Park and Bottoms.
“Sunday in the Park with George” | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | TPAC’s Polk Theater | $53+ | This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical peeks into the life of artist Georges Seurat and his journey of finding inspiration to create his famous painting.
Saturday, April 5
Nashville Symphony Storytime at the Museum | 10:30 a.m. | Tennessee State Museum | Free | Join members of the Nashville Symphony for a reading of “The Hike” by Alison Ferrell, accompanied by flute and bass.
Whiskey Warmer Festival | 6-9 p.m. | Westhaven Skube Swim Center, Franklin | $55+ | Distillers will pour whiskey and bourbon samples as live bluegrass music is played throughout the night.
Sunday, April 6
BrisketU | 12-3 p.m. | Mill Creek Brewing Co., Nolensville | $139 | Get an inside look at BBQ pits, brisket selection, smoke profiles, fire management, slicing techniques, and more.
Monday, April 7
The Seven Wonders | 7:30 p.m. | City Winery | $25+ | Sing along to “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way,” and other Fleetwood Mac hits at this tribute show.
Drum roll... one of Nashville’s five nominees for the James Beard Awards made it on the list of finalists. Jake Howell of Peninsula is in the running for Best Chef: Southeast. A winner for each category will be announced on Monday, June 16.
Edu
A handful of Middle Tennessee schools canceled or postponed the start of classes today, April 3 due to severe weather threats throughout the region. As a reminder, a flood watch is in effect for portions of Middle Tennessee through Sunday morning. Keep these safety tips in mind. (WSMV)
Closing
After four years and even more bouquets and cups of coffee, East Nashville Flower Cafe will close on Saturday, May 3. The business will host a week-long celebration beginning Monday, April 28, and it has already shared a list of bakery specials that will rotate throughout the month.
Biz
Capitol View’s Joe Muer Seafood will soon be known as The Detroit Cowboy. The restaurant group is partnering with Kid Rock, who grew up in the city and goes by the nickname, for the rebrand. (Nashville Business Journal)
Drink
Michael Waltrip Brewing Company is kicking its first branded destination into gear. The racing-inspired experience coming to the third floor of Hank Williams Jr.’s Boogie Bar today, April 3 will feature the brewery’s craft beers and personal memorabilia.
Travel
Following Southwest Airlines’ updated bag policy last month, Frontier Airlines is taking you under its wing. Flyers can get a free checked bag on all bookings from April 22 to Aug. 18 using code “FREEBAG.” Use our airport guide when you take advantage of the discount carrier’s six nonstop routes out of Music City. (The Tennessean)
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Try This
Today’s Best voting is in full swing and there is still time to give your two cents. Remember, you can vote once per day. Share the love for your favorite local businesses here.
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Plan Ahead
🌸 Now blossoming downtown
Over 100 vendors will set up around Public Square Park. | Photo via Metro Nashville
There’s a reason National Geographic Travel named Music City one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the US this year. The pink blooms will be on full display at the annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place on Saturday, April 12 at downtown’s Public Square Park.
What to expect
In addition to music and dance performances, cultural and martial arts demonstrations, a marketplace, and children’s activities, make note of the following events:
Cherry Blossom Walk | The 2.5-mile course begins and ends at Public Square Park; arrive by 9:30 a.m.
Pups in Pink Parade | The parade departs the Union Street Stage at 9:30 a.m. before meeting back in the same spot for the best-dressed contest.
Lecture Series | Presented by the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
We know how you feel about Nashville Scene’s Burger Week every summer, and to hold you over until then, we have another annual event celebrating the foodie favorite. Nashville Lifestyles’ Battle of the Burger lands at The Yard at oneC1TY on Thursday, May 1 with burger samples to try before casting a vote for your favorite.
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